Bok duo ready to make their mark

Both players will make their first start for the Springboks in the first Test at Newlands on Saturday. Kolisi is the more experienced of the two on the international stage with 13 caps.

Mapoe has just one Test cap to his name after coming off the bench during the Springboks' 20-27 defeat at the hands of the All Blacks at Ellis Park in the Rugby Championship last year.

Kolisi, who earned all of his 13 caps off the bench since making his debut against Scotland in 2013, believes he has worked hard enough to cement a place in the Springbok team.

"I just worked hard," Kolisi told reporters after the team announcement on Thursday.

"Making big tackles and running with the ball in hand – that is what I have been trying to focus on this year and not so much on the things that I am not good at. 

"I am just trying to work on the positives."

Kolisi said that he is fortunate to be playing alongside the experienced duo of Duane Vermeulen and Francois Louw in the back row on Saturday. 

"You are confident around players like that. We are a pretty young team with a lot of new faces so we need the guys that have been here before to calm us down 

"Having Duane [Vermeulen] and Flo [Francois Louw] next to me will give me confidence in everything I do," the 24-year-old added.

Meanwhile, Mapoe said he understands that Test rugby is a different beast to Super Rugby.

"A Test match is a big thing," said Mapoe, who has been in great form for the Lions this year.

"I can't just come into the team and do my own thing – I always tell myself that I am a team player. 

"If the team does well, I am going to do well. We have a plan that we want to implement on Saturday. I just want to stick to that plan and just enjoy myself."

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com